Aquaculture is a key component of the European fisheries sector, producing 20% of the annual fish production.
Aquaculture is a key component of the European fisheries sector, producing 20% of the annual fish production. This activity has been identified as one of the vectors contributing to the introduction of new species in the European waters, but is also particularly exposed to the negative impacts deriving from the proliferation of invasive alien species.
In 2011, the European Commission introduced the Regulation (EU) No 304/2011 on the use of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture, with the objectives of optimising benefits associated with introductions and translocations and of reducing negative impacts on ecosystems and indigenous populations.
The Regulation requires the translocation of species to be authorised by a national Competent Authority, and to be recorded in a publicly available register. However, some alien species that have been traditionally farmed in Europe are excluded from most provisions of the Regulation (Annex IV, EC No 708/2007).
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